3-acre Mumbai's Marol ground along Mithi to become urban forest

MUMBAI: A 12,964-sqm (3.2-acre) recreation ground in Marol, Andheri (East), along the Mithi River, is set to be developed into what is proposed as Mumbai's first public urban forest. The plot, reserved as a recreation ground (ROS 1.4) under the Development Plan (DP), currently remains largely undeveloped despite housing around 150 trees. The BMC now plans to develop the space as a nature interactive centre.

The concept envisions a biodiversity-focused space that integrates ecological restoration with recreational amenities for all age groups. Nitin Shukla, assistant municipal commissioner of K East ward, said the planning department had earlier proposed including the plot in the second phase of the city's urban forest project, but the plan did not materialise. "Subsequently, it was decided to explore developing the plot through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding instead. We have received CSR funds and work has begun," Shukla said.

The proposed forest will feature elements such as a Miyawaki forest patch, bird habitat zones, a bamboo arboretum, native grasslands, butterfly gardens, sacred groves and medicinal plant zones. Recently, local MLA Murji Patel wrote to the BMC stating that although the land parcel exists, it currently remains unusable for residents in his constituency and should therefore be developed into an accessible open space for the public.

Deputy municipal commissioner Vishwas Mote said that in the face of climate change, such projects are a must. "Projects like these are the need of the hour. Apart from benefiting the environment, they will also help residents in the area, as the park will include public amenities such as natural walking pathways, children's play areas, lawns, open-air fitness zones, senior citizen seating spaces, and specially designed gardens for children and the elderly," Mote said.

While work on the project has already begun, it is expected to be completed within the next year, said Pradeep Tripathi, founder of the NGO Green Yatra, which is implementing the project through CSR funding.

"The timeline is mainly because the plot has a large amount of debris that needs to be cleared before plantation can begin. After plantation, we also need the trees to grow to a certain height before opening the space to the public, so that they can withstand possible damage," Tripathi said. "The plan includes planting flowering trees as well as species that attract birds throughout the year. The park will also feature a dedicated toddler zone with a play area designed for children below two years of age."